Snow-piled Boston sidewalks an uphill struggle

Lisa Thomas zipped along the edge of Tremont Street in her motorized wheelchair Monday morning, trying to stay out of the traffic as she maneuvered around parked cars.

Mounds of snow and patches of ice made the sidewalk impassable.

“The only way I can get around is in the street,” said the 41-year-old from South Boston, who was headed to pick up cash at a Western Union office. “People should do more to shovel their sidewalks, especially the ramps.”

Bundled up in a heavy, black coat with faux-fur trim around the hood, Thomas said she had no choice but to risk her safety. “What else could I do?”

It’s been tough sledding on Boston’s sidewalks this winter, especially for older residents and people with disabilities.